Gay expo expanding with wedding vendors

The largest event for Long Island's gay and lesbian community, scheduled for this Sunday at the Hyatt Regency hotel in Hauppauge, now has a new name: the Long Island Business, Life and Wedding Expo. It used to be simply the Business and Life Expo.

But the recently enacted New York State Marriage Equality Act has changed things dramatically, said David Kilmnick, chief executive of Bay Shore-based Long Island Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Services Network, which runs the Expo, now in its third year.

Some 4,000 people are expected this Sunday, double the number from last year, Kilmnick said. About 150 vendors, including wedding caterers, photographers and dress makers, along with auto companies and consumer electronics retailers, will be showing their wares.

"The vending spaces have all been filled up, and we still have people calling us," Kilmnick said. The event is free to attendees, but vendors pay a fee, anywhere from $500 for a small space up to $10,000 for larger quarters. The event will bring in $100,000 this year, which will go to support anti-bullying and anti-suicide programs at Long Island schools, Kilmnick said.

Some ministers are also expected to attend. Could some weddings take place? "A couple of the ministers said if folks want to get married, they will" perform the service, Kilmnick said. "As long as the people have their paperwork."